Learn the names of the various parts of a bird. Initially, it is not necessary to memorize all the scientific names for the parts of a bird's anatomy but at least use a personal shorthand that can relate to the bird topography diagrams in your field guide. In time, the correct terms become familiar and used without a second thought. The following points are important for identification:-

1. Size and shape. Size comparison is important. Five well-known Algarvian birds for size
comparison in ascending order are House Sparrow, Blackbird, Red-legged Partridge,
Common Buzzard and White Stork. Birds associated with water generally have distinctive
shapes, eg shorebirds, rails, ducks, gulls and egrets.

2. General coloration. Above and below.

3. Conspicuous marks or patches. Note their colour and position.

4. Size and shape of bill, legs, wings, tail and neck.

5. Colour of bill, legs, feet and eyes.

6. Characteristics of flight or actions. For example, the hovering of a Common Kestrel, or
the tail shivering of a Black Redstart.

7. Distinctive call notes or song. Often difficult to express but some calls such as those of the Red-legged Partridge and the Common Cuckoo are distinctive.

8. Comparison with any other birds. A brown bird wagging its tail like a wagtail may well be
a Meadow Pipit.

9. Date, time, place and weather. Often critical clues to identification.

10. Habitat and general surroundings. Many species are particular about their habitat
preference.

11. Angle of vision, condition of light and distance from observer. Poor light or an odd angle
can play very peculiar tricks.

Unusually white birds might be albinistic (absence of pigment in the feathers) and similarly, dark birds could be melanistic (abnormally blackish). Feathers on seabirds are sometimes bleached by bright sunshine. In addition, birds may look odd because they are damaged or in moult - tail feathers missing or abraded for example.